Best Ever Tropical Fruit Salad
Indulge in a taste of paradise with our Best Ever Tropical Fruit Salad recipe! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of mandarin oranges, strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and mango, this colorful salad is a celebration of summer’s bounty. Drizzled with a zesty Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing, each bite is a refreshing burst of sweetness and tanginess. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this fruit salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore the magic of tropical fruits!
Ingredients:
For the Tropical Fruit Salad:
- 12 mandarin oranges, divided (for dressing and salad)
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 5 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into bite-size chunks
- 3 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cut into bite-size chunks
For the Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste or grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
Instructions:
Preparing the Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing:
- Zest and Juice the Lemon and Lime:
- Using a fine grater or zester, zest the lemon and lime. Cut the lemon and lime in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or by hand.
- Mixing the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, ginger paste, and poppy seeds. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.
Assembling the Tropical Fruit Salad:
- Preparing the Mandarin Oranges:
- Peel and segment 6 mandarin oranges, removing any seeds or pith. Set aside.
- Cutting the Remaining Fruits:
- Wash and prepare the strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and mangoes as directed in the ingredients list. Slice the strawberries, kiwi, and mangoes into bite-size pieces. Cut the pineapple into bite-size chunks.
- Combining the Fruits:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, kiwi, pineapple chunks, and mango chunks. Gently toss the fruits together until evenly distributed.
- Adding the Mandarin Oranges:
- Add the peeled and segmented mandarin oranges to the bowl with the other fruits. Gently toss to combine.
Serving the Tropical Fruit Salad:
- Drizzling with Dressing:
- Just before serving, pour the prepared Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing over the fruit salad. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the salad until all the fruits are coated with the dressing.
- Garnishing:
- Optional: Garnish the fruit salad with additional poppy seeds and fresh mint leaves for added flavor and presentation.
- Chilling (Optional):
- For optimal flavor, you can chill the fruit salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Best Ever Tropical Fruit Salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Enjoy this refreshing and vibrant dish as a light and healthy dessert or side dish.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fruit Substitutions: Feel free to customize the fruit selection based on your preferences or what’s in season. Pineapple, mango, kiwi, and strawberries are classic tropical choices, but you can also add other fruits like papaya, passion fruit, or dragon fruit for extra variety.
- Dressing Adjustments: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the Citrus Poppy Seed Dressing to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of lemon and lime juice.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the fruit salad and dressing ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply combine the fruits and dressing just before serving to maintain optimal freshness.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Low-Carb Modifications: To make this fruit salad keto-friendly or low-carb, you can omit the honey from the dressing or use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Choose lower-carb fruits such as berries, melons, and avocado to reduce the overall carbohydrate content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use canned or frozen fruits for this recipe? A: While fresh fruits are ideal for this recipe, you can use canned or frozen fruits if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain canned fruits and thaw frozen fruits before using them in the salad.
Q: How long will the fruit salad stay fresh in the refrigerator? A: The fruit salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it the same day it’s prepared.
Q: Can I add nuts or coconut flakes to the fruit salad? A: Absolutely! Chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans add a delicious crunch, while shredded coconut flakes contribute a tropical flair. Sprinkle them over the fruit salad just before serving for added texture and flavor.
With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and zesty dressing, our Best Ever Tropical Fruit Salad is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, potluck party, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this easy-to-make salad will brighten up your day and tantalize your taste buds. Try it out for your next gathering or as a delightful dessert for your family. Get ready to experience a burst of sunshine in every bite!
